Artwork
Hermine David
Hermine David is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Jules Pascin. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.
About this work
Overview
Jules Pascas' 1919 oil painting portrays Hermine David, a woman rendered from the waist upward. She is seated, her right hand resting lightly on her lap, dressed in a dark jacket over a white blouse. The backdrop consists of muted earth tones with subtle green and brown undertones, creating a calm, intimate setting.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures David in a moment of quiet introspection. Her gaze is directed downward, and her slightly open mouth suggests a fleeting thought or soft sigh. The composition conveys a sense of personal contemplation, emphasizing the inner life of the sitter rather than external narrative.
Technique & Style
Pascas employs gentle, fluid brushwork to model the facial features, producing a softened, almost velvety texture. The palette is restrained, dominated by dark and light contrasts that highlight the figure against the earthy background. This subtle handling of light and color reflects the artist's affinity for intimate portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created shortly after World War I, the portrait entered the collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum's focus on early‑20th‑century European painting and contributes to the representation of Pascas' oeuvre within the institution.
Artist & collection
Artist
Julius Mordecai Pincas (March 31, 1885 – June 2, 1930), known as Pascin (French: , erroneously or ), Jules Pascin, also known as the "Prince of Montparnasse", was a Bulgarian artist of the School of Paris, known for his paintings and…
